The late Marama Na Tui Ba Adi Laite Koto Koroirua, 78, was laid to rest at the Sautabu (chiefly burial site) at Nailaga Village in Ba yesterday.

More than 1000 people from all walks of life including President Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote, Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Mereseini Vuniwaqa, Minister for Local Government Praveen Bala and leader of Opposition Ro Teimumu Kepa were at Nailaga to attend her funeral.

Dr Maria Doton while delivering the eulogy on behalf of the Ba Women Forum said the late Adi Laite would not say no when asked to accompany her even if she was sick.

“ From the time we planned to call all our women together, look for land to support our Centre, and needed to go to Suva to sign the agreement, she was always there,” Dr Doton said.

“She was always there whenever we needed her, even if she was sick, she would never say no when I asked her to come with me,” she said.

“Adi Laite was a chief in her position but she was a leader who served, she was always humble, she was an inspiration, great motivator, we miss her so much.”

The late Marama na Tui Ba Adi Laite Koto Koroirua

The same sentiment was echoed by iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) board member Ro Epeli Mataitini.

“She will always be remembered for her caring heart and beautiful soul when she came in to be part of the TLTB Committee in 2008,” Ro Epeli said.

“ She always believes in a concept of unity, accepting any denomination that brought God’s gospel to her home soil,” he said.